An architect talks

Opinio n Paul Rees

The impact of this coronavirus pandemic exceeds just healthcare issues, but includes social and economic ones. Few businesses, if any, have continued uninterrupted, whilst many have furloughed staff, and some worse still, closed permanently.

In the run-up to the lockdown, I encountered varying opinions relating to how the Government and our society should approach the increasing dangers. Some were supportive of whatever it would entail, whilst others saw it as an unnecessary risk that could potentially cripple an otherwise fragile economy. The one common thought was preplanning was changing daily.

The lockdown was emphatic and whilst many saw it as intended, to minimise the spread of the virus through restricted social distancing, and consequently closed premises (some obviously forced to do so), others saw the opportunity to continue their business with revised protocols. But was the phrase “to work from home wherever possible” all too extensively applied, with some companies choosing to temporarily close which may possibly have remained open, in one form or another?

Technology and robots have mechanised many industrial processes, yet manufacturers seemed ready to immediately shut down. Consequently, other businesses that may have continued were affected. Nowhere is this more applicable than the construction industry.

I acknowledge, those that do continue, are equally at the mercy of their clients, who if they decide to suspend trading, cancel orders, etc. and place staff on furlough, leave others with little

AN arc hitect speaks

Paul Rees on the pros and cons of working during the Covid-19 crisis

Manufacturers seemed ready to immediately shut down. Consequently, other businesses that may have continued were affected. Those that do continue are equally at the mercy of their clients if they suspend trading”

alternative than to do the same; or adapt their business model. We’ve seen manufacturers re-tool machinery and architectural practices using 3D printers to provide vital PPE equipment for healthcare professionals, whilst simultaneously providing those businesses and their employees with a short-term future.

Yet, when companies modify their working methods, they don’t necessarily provide the anticipated or desired result and in turn, respond to the needs of the client; and therein lies the difficulty. I’ve been fortunate enough to continue in my office and liaise with others using various platforms, but with differing success. Having cancelled a few meetings arranged to conclude prolonged discussions, they unfortunately continue. There is no doubt, sometimes you cannot beat meetings in person, with everyone in one place to finalise and agree a collective way forward.

Similarly, there are occasions where working from home can be disruptive. From intermittent internet connection to those working ‘alternative’ hours, or juggling work and childcare, I’ve experienced them all.

This leads to the big question, where do we go from here? There’s talk about adjusting to the ‘new normal’, but what exactly will that be? One thing we’ve hopefully learnt from the current circumstances is to be more tolerant of those working in differing conditions. Similarly, being honest from the outset by letting clients and colleagues know how, where, or even when, we’re working will assist them to determine if their goals can be achieved, whatever they may be. In the meantime, please stay safe and patient. n